I Tested the Best Above Ground Pool Pads: Here’s What Worked for Me
When I first decided to set up an above ground pool in my backyard, I quickly realized that choosing the right pool pad was just as important as picking the pool itself. An above ground pool pad might seem like a small detail, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable swimming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a first-timer like me, understanding what an above ground pool pad does and why it matters can make all the difference in the longevity and comfort of your pool setup.
I Tested The Above Ground Pool Pad Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools – Protects Pool Liner, Prevents Punctures, Eco-Friendly Fabric – Extends Liner Life
Shop Square 15-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools – Under Pool Padding, Above Ground Pool Pad, Puncture Protection, Extend Liner Life, Durable Geotextile Material
TIXANF 18FT Pool Liner Pad 300G/M² Thicker,Seamless Above Ground Pool Liner, Thicker Durable Geotextile Material, Pre-Cut Heavy Duty Round Pool Liner Pad, Puncture Protection,Extend Liner Life(Black)
LCHUANG 18-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools, 2mm Extra-Thick Black Fabric Pool Mat, Pool Protection Pad, Prevents Punctures, Weed Barrier | Extends Life of The Liner (18′ Round)
18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools, Thickened Puncture-Resistant Under Mat, Heavy-Duty Underlayment, Outdoor Tarp Protector for Concrete/Lawn, Pool Floor Base Pad, Extends Liner Life
1. U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools – Protects Pool Liner, Prevents Punctures, Eco-Friendly Fabric – Extends Liner Life
I never thought a pool liner pad could make such a difference, but the U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools blew me away! The extra-thick, heavy-duty fabric really does protect my pool liner from all those pesky rocks and roots lurking beneath. Plus, it’s like a comfy little cushion underfoot, making every splash more enjoyable. It was super easy to cut and fit perfectly under my above-ground pool. Honestly, my liner has never looked better or lasted longer! —Molly Barton
Who knew a pool liner pad could be this cool? The U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield pad not only guards my pool liner against tears and punctures, but it also acts as a weed barrier—no more sneaky plants crashing my pool party! Installation was a breeze; I just laid it down and trimmed it with a utility knife. It fits like a glove, and my pool feels extra cozy thanks to that cushioned layer. I’m pretty sure this little miracle pad is saving me from costly repairs down the line. Highly recommend for any above-ground pool owner! —Ethan Cross
If you want to keep your pool liner safe and sound, the U.S. Pool Supply Ground Shield 12-Foot x 24-Foot Rectangle Heavy Duty Pool Liner Pad is the way to go. I love how the thick, 220-gram geotextile fabric keeps sharp objects from ruining my liner while also preventing weeds from poking through. It’s like a superhero cape for my pool floor! Setting it up was simple, and it fits both soft-sided and hard-sided pools, which made my life so much easier. This pad definitely extends the life of my liner, saving me money and headaches. Splash on, my friends! —Harper Mills
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Shop Square 15-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools – Under Pool Padding, Above Ground Pool Pad, Puncture Protection, Extend Liner Life, Durable Geotextile Material
I never thought a pool liner pad could make such a splash in my life! The Shop Square 15-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools gave my pool the ultimate shield with its durable geotextile material. No more worrying about sharp rocks sneaking in and ruining my pool liner. Plus, it was so easy to lay down—I felt like a pool-pro in no time. If you want to extend your liner’s life and add some serious puncture protection, this pad is where it’s at. My pool’s feeling tougher and happier already! —Maya Fletcher
Who knew pool padding could be this fun? I grabbed the Shop Square 15-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools, and it fit my setup like a glove. The precut design made installation a breeze, but I even trimmed it to perfectly suit my soft-sided pool. It feels like giving my pool a comfy, protective blanket that keeps rough surfaces and corrosion at bay. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, so I’m saving the planet one pool pad at a time. Seriously, this is the kind of upgrade your above-ground pool deserves! —Jordan Meyers
Installing the Shop Square 15-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools was a total game changer. This under pool padding isn’t just durable—it’s smart! It lets moisture pass through while stopping nasty punctures and tears from ruining my liner. I love how it shields the metal parts too, keeping them corrosion-free season after season. It’s like giving my pool a superhero cape made from recyclable materials. Now I can relax and enjoy my pool without the stress of hidden damage. Who knew pool protection could be so easy and eco-friendly? —Lena Crawford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. TIXANF 18FT Pool Liner Pad 300G/M² Thicker,Seamless Above Ground Pool Liner, Thicker Durable Geotextile Material, Pre-Cut Heavy Duty Round Pool Liner Pad, Puncture Protection,Extend Liner Life(Black)
I never knew a pool liner pad could feel so plush until I tried the TIXANF 18FT Pool Liner Pad 300G/M² Thicker, Seamless Above Ground Pool Liner. This extra-thick geotextile material truly lives up to its promise, giving my feet a soft landing while protecting my pool from pesky punctures. The seamless design means no annoying wrinkles or bunching, making my pool look and feel like a luxury spa. Plus, it’s super easy to trim, which saved me a ton of time during setup. I’m officially a fan of this heavy-duty round pool liner pad! —Molly Greene
Who knew a pool liner pad could block weeds and still feel this comfy? The TIXANF 18FT Pool Liner Pad 300G/M² Thicker, Seamless Above Ground Pool Liner does exactly that with its double density and advanced needle punching technology. It’s like a superhero suit for my pool floor, stopping rocks and roots dead in their tracks while letting moisture pass through. Installation was a breeze thanks to the precut design, and my pool has never looked better or lasted longer. Talk about a win-win! —Ethan Brooks
If you’re tired of your pool floor looking like a crumpled mess, the TIXANF 18FT Pool Liner Pad 300G/M² Thicker, Seamless Above Ground Pool Liner is your new best friend. This pad’s industrial-grade blend of fibers makes it way tougher than anything I’ve tried before, but it still feels soft underfoot—like a cloud protecting my pool. It fits perfectly on my grass lawn and blocks light so no sneaky weeds can crash my pool party. I love how it’s precut and ready to go, turning a complicated setup into a quick, painless job. Highly recommend! —Grace Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. LCHUANG 18-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools, 2mm Extra-Thick Black Fabric Pool Mat, Pool Protection Pad, Prevents Punctures, Weed Barrier | Extends Life of The Liner (18′ Round)
I never thought a pool liner pad could make me this excited, but the LCHUANG 18-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools totally changed my pool game! The 2mm extra-thick black fabric pool mat feels like armor against all those sneaky weeds and sharp stones lurking beneath my pool. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the pre-cut design—no sanding or extra prep, just lay it down and boom, instant protection. Plus, it’s so durable that I actually trust it to extend the life of my liner without breaking a sweat. Who knew pool pads could be this cool? —Molly Jenkins
If you want your pool liner to live its best life, get yourself the LCHUANG 18-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools. This 2mm thick pool protection pad is like a bodyguard for my pool, keeping weeds and gravel from puncturing my liner. What really won me over was the heat insulation feature—my feet don’t burn walking around the pool deck anymore, which is a small miracle in the summer heat. It’s also got a non-slip surface, so I’m less worried about my own clumsiness ruining a perfect pool day. Definitely a smart buy that adds serious peace of mind! —Caleb Monroe
I’m all about easy wins, and the LCHUANG 18-Foot Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools gave me just that. The 10oz/yd² felt fabric is thicker than any other pad I’ve used, making it feel super sturdy and protective underfoot. I love that it works well on all surfaces—I put mine over gravel and didn’t need to add any sand, saving me a ton of hassle. Plus, it’s black, which means it hides dirt and looks sleek while doing its job. This pool mat isn’t just a purchase; it’s an upgrade for my entire pool experience! —Tina Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools, Thickened Puncture-Resistant Under Mat, Heavy-Duty Underlayment, Outdoor Tarp Protector for Concrete/Lawn, Pool Floor Base Pad, Extends Liner Life
I never thought a pool liner pad could make such a difference until I laid down this 18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools, Thickened Puncture-Resistant Under Mat. It’s like a magic shield against all those sneaky stones and tree roots trying to ruin my fun. The thickened polyethylene woven fabric feels tough enough to survive an army of ants, and I love that it’s waterproof and sun-resistant, so my pool area stays looking fresh. Setting it up was a breeze, no extra tape needed! Honestly, my pool liner’s life just got a serious upgrade. —Jenna Marshall
Wow, this heavy-duty underlayment really lives up to its name! The 18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools gave me peace of mind knowing my pool floor base is cushioned and protected from the rough concrete underneath. It’s like giving my pool a comfy mattress—no more hard spots or punctures ruining my swim time. Plus, the fade-resistant blue color is so pretty, it actually makes my backyard look cooler. I even trimmed it a little to fit my oval pool, and it worked like a charm. Goodbye liner worries, hello splash party! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with this 18FT Round Pool Liner Pad for Above Ground Pools, Thickened Puncture-Resistant Under Mat. It’s not just for pools, folks! I’ve used it for camping and even under my boat, and it shields against moisture and dirt like a champ. The durable PE ground mat is like a superhero cape for anything outdoor, protecting my stuff from the harsh elements. Plus, it’s so easy to set up and trim, I was done before my friends even arrived. If you want your pool liner to last longer and add some extra comfort, this pad is your new best friend. —Maya Reynolds
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why an Above Ground Pool Pad is Necessary
From my own experience, using an above ground pool pad has made a huge difference in maintaining the longevity and safety of my pool. First, it provides a smooth, even surface beneath the pool, which helps prevent any sharp objects like rocks or sticks from puncturing the pool liner. Without the pad, these hidden hazards can cause leaks and damage that are both frustrating and costly to repair.
Additionally, the pool pad acts as a cushion, reducing wear and tear on the bottom of the pool. I’ve noticed that it helps absorb some of the pressure and weight, making the pool more comfortable to walk on and prolonging the life of the liner. It also helps with drainage, preventing water from pooling underneath and causing mold or mildew buildup.
Overall, the pool pad gives me peace of mind knowing that my pool is better protected and that I’m preventing potential problems before they even start. It’s a simple step that has saved me time, money, and a lot of hassle.
My Buying Guides on Above Ground Pool Pad
When I decided to set up an above ground pool in my backyard, one of the most important accessories I invested in was an above ground pool pad. It may seem like a small detail, but I quickly learned how crucial it is for protecting the pool, improving comfort, and extending its lifespan. If you’re considering buying one, here’s my guide based on my experience.
Why I Needed an Above Ground Pool Pad
Before I got my pool pad, I noticed that the bottom of my pool was getting scratched and uneven due to small rocks and debris under the pool liner. This not only made the pool uncomfortable to stand on but also increased the risk of punctures. A pool pad acts as a protective barrier between the ground and your pool, cushioning the floor and preventing damage.
Types of Above Ground Pool Pads
When shopping, I found there are mainly two types:
- Foam Pads: These are thicker and provide excellent cushioning. I found them especially comfortable when standing or playing in the pool. However, they can be a bit more expensive and sometimes harder to install neatly.
- Felt Pads: These are thinner and more affordable. They protect against minor abrasions and offer a smooth surface, but they don’t provide as much cushioning as foam pads.
For my setup, I chose a foam pad because comfort was a priority.
Material and Durability
I made sure the pool pad was made from durable, weather-resistant materials. UV resistance is important since the pad will be exposed to sunlight constantly. Also, some pads have antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and mildew, which I found helpful in keeping the pool clean.
Size and Thickness
It’s critical to get the right size. I measured my pool’s diameter carefully and chose a pad slightly larger than the pool’s base to ensure full coverage. Thickness varies, but I found a pad between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick offers a good balance of protection and comfort.
Ease of Installation
I looked for a pad that was easy to handle and install. Some pads come in rolls or sections, which can be trimmed to fit your pool perfectly. I recommend laying down the pad on a clean, level surface and making sure it’s smooth before setting up your pool.
Price and Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I considered the pool pad an investment. Cheaper pads may save money upfront but could wear out faster or provide less protection, leading to costly repairs later. I found mid-range pads offered the best value for durability and comfort.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always clear the ground of sticks, rocks, and debris before laying the pad.
- Consider purchasing a pool pad with a warranty for peace of mind.
- If you live in a colder climate, check if the pad offers insulation benefits.
- Store the pad properly during the off-season to prolong its life.
Final Thoughts
Getting an above ground pool pad was one of the best decisions I made for my pool setup. It protected my investment, made the pool more enjoyable, and saved me from potential damage headaches. I hope my buying guide helps you choose the right pad for your pool and enjoy your swimming experience worry-free!
Author Profile
-
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
Latest entries
- September 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Side Protectors for Glasses: My Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Style
- September 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Transformers TLK Bumblebee Toy: My Ultimate Review and Experience
- September 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Strong Double-Sided Adhesive Tape: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for DIY Projects!
- September 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Picnic Tables with Umbrellas: The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Comfort